Speech by Ilham Aliyev at the opening of the “Janub” power station in Shirvan

- Dear friends!

It is a wonderful and memorable day today! The “Janub” power plant is being commissioned in the city of Shirvan.

I heartily congratulate you on this momentous occasion! I salute and express my appreciation to everyone who has participated in the construction of the station.

This is the biggest power station built in the years of independence. The station with a capacity of 780 megawatts will strengthen the energy potential of Azerbaijan and enable its economy to continue to thrive because the operation of power plants gives an impetus to overall development.

A total of 14 power plants have been built in Azerbaijan over the past 10 years. Their total number is 23.

Over the past 10 years stations with a capacity of almost 3,000 megawatts have been built, raising our combined power generating capacity to 6,000 megawatts.

This station applies the latest technology and meets the latest standards. I can say that it is the most modern station in the region and all the equipment installed is at the highest level. It is gratifying that Azerbaijani specialists have worked on the construction of the station and that this station was built by Azerbaijani companies. This is also a sign of the times. In the early years, we often referred to foreign companies and attracted them to such activities. But now Azerbaijani companies can build as well and build such enormous facilities.

I am confident that as a result of the operation of this station all the tasks facing the region and the country will be met because the successful development of Azerbaijan and the processes of industrialization ongoing here urge us to create generating capacity. If we hadn’t built 14 power plants in the last 10 years, we wouldn’t be able to achieve the current level of economic development.

A large number of new enterprises are built in Azerbaijan annually, new plants and factories are opening up. This contributes to the rapid development of the country. Of course, the generating capacity should be at the heart of all this development and the electricity produced in Azerbaijan should always exceed demand. This is the case today. Today we still have the reserve capacity to continue industrial development. At the same time, there are plans to build new plants.

In the coming years we should build new power stations with a capacity of 2,000 megawatts.

At the same time, we are seriously engaged in the creation of renewable energy sources. Hydroelectric power plants are under construction, the construction of solar power plants is on the agenda. In other words, all the issues in the energy sector are successfully resolved in Azerbaijan.

Azerbaijan's development is a reality recognized worldwide. This development further manifested itself in the last 10 years. Over the five months of this year our non-oil sector grew by 11 per cent primarily due to the operation of industrial enterprises. Of course, the creation and development of generation capacities serves our overall development.

Along with this, Azerbaijan currently exports electricity to neighboring countries, which, of course, enhances our economic strength.

Power engineering is the key industry for any country. No country can develop without the development of power engineering. Development requires generation capacity. We are creating and will continue to create such capacities.

Along with this, we are now paying more attention to transmission lines and distribution networks. After generation capacities have been put in place, we should, of course, concentrate on this area. We are doing this in order to fully resolve energy issues.

In general, issues of energy security in Azerbaijan are resolved successfully. We are consistently fulfilling all our tasks.

Azerbaijan is one of a handful of countries globally to provide for their energy security by 100 per cent. This is manifested in the development of natural resources. At the same time, the creation of generation capacity also helps us in this direction.

Energy security issues are of great importance for any country. Each country should strive to ensure its energy security.

Development would be impossible without that. Independent development would be impossible without that. Azerbaijan has not only provided for its own energy security, but also plays a role in ensuring the energy security of other countries.

The decisions made recently have turned Azerbaijan into a serious partner on a global scale, on a global level.

Azerbaijan has been supplying its energy resources to world markets for many years. We are creating additional opportunities for the supply of our natural resources to world markets in the future.

This means that Azerbaijan builds its economic future for many years to come. We are creating the conditions for long-term and sustainable development of Azerbaijan. The role of Azerbaijan is growing and our position in the world is strengthening. This will enhance the capacity of our country. We are successfully conducting our energy policy, and this policy is bearing fruit. The revenue fetched as a result of this policy is channeled into other areas.

The construction of this station is also a manifestation of our energy policy. Foreign banks and funds have supported us in the construction of the station. But if Azerbaijan didn’t have strong financial and economic opportunities, we would be unable to get these loans. At the same time, we are also providing loans, and Azerbaijan’s financial position is very strong.

We will continue to consistently pursue this work. The successful development of Azerbaijan is a reality no-one can question. Even during the crisis that engulfed the whole world Azerbaijan continued to develop and confidently move forward. The well-being of our people is improving. The economy is growing. All sectors of the economy are developing.

The policy of diversification produces results. Thus, there is every opportunity for successful development. We simply need to carry out this consistent policy in the years ahead too. We will put forward new initiatives in all areas, including the energy sector, and take new steps to ensure long-term sustainable development.

The construction of this station in itself has a great symbolic meaning. It suggests that the modern state of Azerbaijan is capable of doing great things. By commissioning this plant, we are practically suspending all the old stations that do not meet contemporary standards. This station is economically viable. The costs are almost half as high as in the previous station, which will be a great help for the economy.

Today I want to specifically salute all power engineers. Azerbaijan pays great attention to the field of energy. As President, I have kept this area in the spotlight since 2004. In all the regions we have built modular power stations and large power plants. Of course, our policy in this area is very open, clear and unequivocal. But I would like to highlight the work of power engineers as significant reforms have been carried out in this direction in a short period of time. The professionalism of power engineers has improved. Modern technologies are applied in Azerbaijan, and these technologies are applied by Azerbaijani specialists. Azerbaijani specialists are also involved in the operation of this station.

This is a great help also in terms of personnel training. The power engineers and construction workers doing all this work deserve commendation. If we consider that we have a lot of plans and that industrial parks are under construction in Baku, Sumgayit, Ganja and Mingachevir, power engineers have a lot more to do. We will build stations and ensure the economic development of Azerbaijan. I am confident that we will participate in such wonderful events together with you.

At the same time, I would like to say a few words about the development of the city of Shirvan today. The city of Shirvan is developing. Today we will attend more opening ceremonies. I have repeatedly visited the city of Shirvan. Social sites and factories have been built here in the past too. Today we will launch a very important project associated with drinking water in Shirvan. We will celebrate this opening. We will open the Olympic Sports Center and some military works. A diagnostic center was opened here earlier. In other words, we are doing everything in our power for the successful development of the city of Shirvan, and I am sure that things will continue to go well here.

Once again, dear friends, I sincerely congratulate you on this wonderful event! I wish you good health and success!

Thank you.